Planning commission holds open public hearing on new woodworking business pending Common Council special permit

The Planning Commission opened a public hearing on a proposed woodworking business in the C3 General Commercial District but could not act because the Common Council had not yet authorized the required special permit.

Applicant representative Marco (architect/manager) described interior reconfiguration that will support a small appointment‑only showroom in front and woodworking activity in the rear, with most raw material stored in the basement. Marco said the project includes minor exterior work—brick repointing, new windows, an ADA ramp, landscaping and a screened rear parking area—and a small additional parking area for company delivery vehicles. "It's primarily going to be used by the people fabricating in the woodworking facility," he said, noting showroom visits should be limited to one or two people by appointment. The commission discussed delivery truck turning radius and asked the applicant to provide a diagram showing how tractor trailers would turn and load without backing into the street.

Because the Common Council special permit authorization was still pending, the commission agreed to hold the hearing open and return the matter next month after the council acts. Staff reminded the applicant that any off‑street parking or on‑street regulation changes would require a separate petition to DPW and the Common Council. The commission asked that parking/turning diagrams and delivery logistics be included with the next submission so planners can confirm no unsafe backing or traffic conflicts will occur.